The Attard council is pushing for the introduction of a law limiting noise pollution in residential areas after years of complaints about loud music from nearby nightclubs.

Mayor Stefan Cordina said there was no way for law enforcement officers to take action against excessive noise. Moreover, the only limit on sound levels was the establishments’ commercial licences, generally allowing for music to be played until 4am.

“It’s a widespread problem. Residents have also been complaining to the police in nearby areas like Rabat and Birkirkara,” Mr Cordina said.

He said the problem had reached its peak with “intolerable” noise levels during a Good Friday party this year, although the situation had generally improved slightly over the last few years.

In a statement yesterday, the Attard council said it was receiving signed petitions from residents, which it intended to present to the relevant authorities to demand that action be taken.

“We believe that each and every resident has the right to rest peacefully and the authorities concerned have to make sure such rights are not being taken away,” the council said.

Every resident has the right to rest peacefully; the authorities concerned must ensure such rights

Over the past few months, the council had several meetings with the police and the owners of a particular establishment that has irked residents by playing music until the early morning hours.

“The council, together with third parties, is determined to find a good and practical solution that will positively solve this problem, which is causing inconvenience to over 10,650 residents in Attard.”

It encouraged all residents who have not yet presented their petition at its offices to do so by the end of the month. Late-night music has been an issue in various residential areas close to entertainment hotspots for years, particularly in the summer months when outdoor parties are the norm.

Just days ago, the nightclub Aria, on the outskirts of San Ġwann, was hit with a court injunction stopping it from playing loud music in the early hours of the morning after disgruntled residents decided to take action. The court ruled that although the nightclub had a right to go about its business, it had to respect people living in the vicinity.